Cold stare? Warm drink

Study shows social rejection leaves us cold

A new study by researchers at the University of Toronto shows that being socially excluded makes people crave hot drinks.

Researchers analysed two groups of students. One gorup was instructed to recall an experience during which they felt isolated or rejected. The other group was asked to remember a happy occasion. The students were then asked to estimate the temperature of the room. On average, the students recalling periods of ostracisation reported that the room was five degrees (Fahrenheit) lower than the others.

The study's lead author, Chen-Bo Zhong, said the findings were hardly surprising. "We know that being excluded is psychologically painful, and here we found that it feels just like it's described in metaphors like 'icy stare' and 'cold reception.'"